India is making strides in modernising its maritime infrastructure. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing global trade and promoting sustainability. These initiatives align with India’s vision of becoming a maritime powerhouse and support the broader goals of economic growth and self-reliance.
One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)
The ONOP initiative aims to standardise operations across India’s major ports. It addresses inefficiencies in documentation and processes that lead to increased costs and delays. By simplifying procedures, ONOP enhances operational efficiency and strengthens India’s global trade position.
Sagar Ankalan Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI)
The Sagar Ankalan LPPI is a critical tool for benchmarking port performance. It evaluates both major and non-major ports based on key performance indicators such as cargo handling and turnaround time. This index aims to drive operational excellence and improve India’s competitiveness in the maritime sector.
Bharat Global Ports Consortium
The Bharat Global Ports Consortium is designed to enhance India’s maritime reach and boost global trade resilience. By bringing together various stakeholders, this initiative focuses on streamlining logistics and strengthening supply chains, thus positioning India as a key player in international trade.
MAITRI Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface
The MAITRI app aims to simplify trade processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. It facilitates the ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’ between India and the UAE. By leveraging digital solutions, MAITRI optimises trade flows and contributes to sustainable development.
India Maritime Week
Scheduled for October 2025, India Maritime Week will celebrate the country’s maritime heritage and growth. It will host global maritime gatherings, including the Global Maritime India Summit, attracting representation from numerous countries and thousands of delegates.
Revitalising Shipbuilding Sector
The government is focusing on revitalising India’s shipbuilding sector through increased financial assistance and the introduction of new shipbuilding clusters. These measures aim to boost domestic manufacturing and enhance global competitiveness.
Maritime Development Fund
The ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is a transformative initiative aimed at modernising port and shipping infrastructure. It encourages private investment and supports the development of large ships as infrastructure, facilitating easier financing for the industry.
National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping
The National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping aims to promote sustainability in the maritime sector. It provides vital information about eco-friendly practices, focusing on reducing carbon footprints and cleaner fuel usage.
India’s Blue Economy Vision
India’s Blue Economy is about more than just ships and ports. It encompasses jobs, trade, sustainability, and economic growth. The government is committed to creating a world-class maritime ecosystem that encourages innovation and collaboration.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of digital innovation in enhancing India’s maritime trade efficiency.
- What are the implications of the ‘One Nation-One Port’ initiative on India’s logistics sector? Explain.
- What is the significance of the Maritime Development Fund in modernising India’s shipping infrastructure? How does it encourage private investment?
- Comment on the importance of sustainability in India’s Blue Economy. What measures can be taken to promote eco-friendly practices in maritime operations?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of digital innovation in enhancing India’s maritime trade efficiency.
- Digital tools streamline documentation processes, reducing inefficiencies and operational delays.
- Applications like MAITRI facilitate faster trade flows and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
- Integration of AI and Blockchain enhances security and efficiency in trade operations.
- Virtual Trade Corridors improve connectivity and collaboration between nations.
- Data-driven methodologies, such as the Logistics Port Performance Index, benchmark performance and drive improvements.
2. What are the implications of the ‘One Nation-One Port’ initiative on India’s logistics sector? Explain.
- Standardisation of port operations reduces documentation inconsistencies, improving efficiency.
- Streamlined processes lower operational costs and enhance competitiveness in global trade.
- Increased collaboration among ports encourages a cohesive national logistics network.
- Reduction of container and bulk cargo documents accelerates processing times.
- Encourages active stakeholder participation, driving innovation and operational excellence.
3. What is the significance of the Maritime Development Fund in modernising India’s shipping infrastructure? How does it encourage private investment?
- The ₹25,000 crore fund provides long-term financing for port and shipping infrastructure projects.
- It recognizes large ships as infrastructure, unlocking new financing avenues for businesses.
- Encourages private sector participation through improved investment opportunities and incentives.
- Supports the development of shipbuilding clusters, promoting domestic manufacturing.
- Facilitates modernization and competitiveness of Indian ports in the global market.
4. Comment on the importance of sustainability in India’s Blue Economy. What measures can be taken to promote eco-friendly practices in maritime operations?
- Sustainability is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental protection in maritime activities.
- Focus on reducing carbon footprints through cleaner fuels and eco-friendly port management practices.
- Promotion of the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping to share best practices.
- Implementation of regulations encouraging the adoption of sustainable technologies in shipping.
- Collaboration with international bodies to align with global sustainability standards.
